Disc golf game system

ABSTRACT

A disc golf game system comprises two or more elongated poles adapted to be positionable upright on a surface. Each pole comprises two or more selectively connectable pole segments. At least one pole segment of each pole has circumferential indicia along at least a portion of a length of the at least one pole segment of each pole. The indicia forms a target area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/321,701, filed Apr. 12, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to games, and more specifically to disc golf games.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disc golf is a popular outdoor game/sport. Disc golf is similar to regular golf. However, instead of using golf clubs and balls aiming for a hole, disc golf players use flying discs (e.g., Frisbee™ flying discs) and aim for a disc pole hole. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a disc pole hole 10 comprises a pole 12 extending up from the ground with chains 14 and a basket 16. The area between the top of the chains 14 and the top of the basket 16 forms the desired target, as the disc (not illustrated) should land in the basket if the disc hits the chain when thrown. The disc pole hole 10 may be mounted on a stand 18 that sits on the ground such that the disc pole hole is movable, or the disc pole hole may be mounted in the ground (not illustrated) such that its location is fixed. The target area is 19 inches tall, and the height from the ground to the bottom of the target area is 32 inches.

Generally, a disc golf course comprises 9 or 18 disc pole holes. The object of the game is to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws, starting from a tee area and finishing at the disc pole hole. Players start at hole number one and complete the course in order, playing through to the last hole. The player with lowest total cumulative score wins.

Disc golf courses are typically located in public parks and similar locations. It may be difficult or inconvenient for a disc golf player to travel to a disc golf course to play, or especially to practice for a short time. Disc golf poles are large and bulky, and therefore are not easily transported and set up for disc golf games or practices in ad hoc locations.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment of the invention, a disc golf game system comprises two or more elongated poles adapted to be positionable upright on a surface. Each pole comprises two or more selectively connectable pole segments. At least one pole segment of each pole has circumferential indicia along at least a portion of a length of the at least one pole segment of each pole. The indicia forms a target area.

The two or more selectively connectable pole segments of each pole may have cooperative threads to enable the selective connection of one pole segment to another pole segment.

The system may further comprise two or more mounting bases, each mounting base corresponding to and selectively connectable to a respective one of the two or more poles to enable the poles to be positionable upright on the surface. The two or more mounting bases and the respective poles may have cooperative threads to enable the selective connection of each mounting base to its respective pole.

The system may further comprise two or more flat-bottomed mounting bases and two or more spiked mounting bases. Each flat-bottomed mounting base corresponds to and is selectively connectable to a respective one of the two or more poles to enable the respective poles to sit on the surface. Each spiked mounting base corresponds to and is selectively connectable to a respective one of the two or more poles, each spiked mounting base having a spike adapted to be pushed into or through the surface. The two or more flat-bottomed mounting bases and the respective poles may have cooperative threads to enable the selective connection of each flat-bottomed mounting base to its respective pole. The two or more spiked mounting bases and the respective poles may have cooperative threads to enable the selective connection of each spiked mounting base to its respective pole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional disc golf pole hole.

FIG. 2 illustrates a disc golf game system, in a disassembled state, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the disc golf game system of FIG. 2, in an assembled state.

FIG. 4 illustrates a disc golf game system, in a disassembled state, in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of the disc golf game system of FIG. 4, in an assembled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “upwardly” and “downwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the device, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system of playing and practicing disc golf. The disc golf game system of embodiments of the invention provides the challenge and fun of conventional disc golf. Additionally, the disc golf game system of embodiments of the invention is easily stored, transported, and set up to allow disc golf to be quickly played or practiced in just about any open space.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the disc golf game system 20 of embodiments of the invention comprises several (three are illustrated) elongated poles that function as equivalents to disc pole holes. The poles may be positioned at various distances from each other to form a (typically abbreviated) disc golf course. As described further below, the system may comprise hardware for setting the poles on the ground and/or for mounting the poles (temporarily) in the ground.

Advantageously, the top portion of each pole is typically differently colored than the bottom portion of the pole, to indicate that the top portion is the target. For example, the top portion may be bright yellow and the bottom portion may be black or grey (although any desired color or combination of colors may be used). Alternatively, any suitable indicia may be used to differentiate the top portion (target) from the bottom portion of the pole.

The height of the top (target) portion is typically 19 inches to conform to the height of the target portion of a conventional disc pole hole. The height of the bottom portion of the pole is typically 32 inches to conform to the height of the bottom portion of a conventional disc pole hole.

To enable easy storage and transportation of the system, the poles may each comprise multiple segments that may be disassembled for storage and transport and assembled for use. In the illustrated embodiment, each pole comprises two elongated segments (alternatively, each pole could comprise more than two segments). The bottom end of top pole segment 26 and the top end of bottom pole segment 22 have corresponding connection mechanisms (e.g., male and female threaded connectors, or any other suitable connection mechanism) to enable the top and bottom segments to be readily joined together and taken apart. The curls in FIG. 2 between the top segments and the bottom segments indicate that the segments may be screwed together.

Top pole segment 26 may comprise the target and therefore may be 19 inches long (typically not including the connecting portion) and may be a different color (or have other differentiating indicia) than bottom pole segment 22. The length of bottom pole segment 22 may be selected such that, when the pole stands on or is mounted in the ground, the distance from the bottom of the target portion to the ground is 32 inches. The entire top pole segment may have the target indicia, or only a portion of the top pole segment may have the target indicia. In the illustrated embodiments, the bottom connector portion of the top pole segment does not have the target indicia (although it could in optional embodiments). In another alternative embodiment, the target indicia may span more than one pole segment, as long as the target indicia has the desired total height and desired height above the ground.

The disc golf game system of embodiments of the invention may further comprise one or more stakes 28 and/or one or more bases 30. The stakes 28 and bases 30 and the bottom end of each bottom pole segment have corresponding connection mechanisms (e.g., male and female threaded connectors, or any other suitable connection mechanism) to enable a stake or a base to be attached to the bottom end of each bottom pole segment. A stake 28 may be attached to the bottom pole segment to enable the pole to be “planted” in the ground by pushing part or all of the stake into the ground. A base 30 may be attached to the bottom pole segment to enable the pole to sit on the ground or on the floor of an indoor playing space. The base may be weighted to reduce the likelihood of the pole falling over. The curls in FIG. 2 between the bottom segments and the stake/base indicate that these may be screwed together.

In the illustrated embodiment, the system comprises three poles (each comprising top and bottom segments), three stakes, and three bases (however, embodiments of the invention may include more or fewer poles, stakes, and bases). In this regard, there are enough stakes and bases such that each pole may be erected using either mechanism. If the system comprises more than three poles, then more than three each of the stakes and bases may also be included. The system may also comprise a carrying bag or tote (not illustrated). FIG. 3 illustrates two of the poles of FIG. 2 in an assembled state—one with a stake and one with a base.

As mentioned above, the poles may each comprise multiple segments that may be disassembled for storage and transport and assembled for use. In the disc golf game system 40 of alternative embodiments of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, each pole comprises three elongated segments. The system 40 comprises a top or target pole segment 46 and two bottom or support pole segments 42. The two bottom pole segments 42 are typically identical and therefore interchangeable (i.e., either one can be in the middle or on the bottom). The bottom end of top pole segment 46 and both the top and bottom ends of the two bottom pole segments 42 have appropriate corresponding connection mechanisms (e.g., male and female threaded connectors, or any other suitable connection mechanism) to enable the top and two bottom segments to be readily joined together and taken apart. The curls in FIG. 4 between the segments indicate that the segments may be screwed together.

Top pole segment 46 may comprise the target and therefore may be 19 inches long (typically not including the connecting portion) and may be a different color (or have other differentiating indicia) than bottom pole segments 42. The length of bottom pole segments 42 may be selected such that, when the pole stands on or is mounted in the ground, the distance from the bottom of the target portion to the ground is 32 inches.

The disc golf game system 40 of alternative embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 will typically use the same stakes 28 and/or bases 30 as the system 20 of FIGS. 2 and 3.

The components of the system may be constructed out of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as plastic and/or metal or combinations thereof.

The disc golf game system of embodiments of the invention enables players to practice disc golf and to play a variety of disc golf games. Following are just a few examples of activities that may be performed using the system.

1. Miniature Disc Golf.

A number of players (e.g., 1-4) can set up the poles (this description assumes a system comprising three poles, but the number of poles may vary) around the playing field (e.g., beach, yard, park, gym), at distances from (e.g.,) 15-200 feet apart from one another (typically in a triangle formation). A par may be established for the course—typically 1, 2, 3 or 4 depending on the difficulty. Players will throw a disc at a starting point next to a pole designated as pole #1. Each player has to throw the disc at pole #2 and hit the top (target) portion of that pole for it to “go into the hole.” All players will have to hit the top portion of the pole to finish the hole. Each player then stands next to pole #2 and “tees off” for the next hole (pole #3). Each player has to throw the disc at pole #3 and hit the top portion of that pole. This is repeated for the third pole (throwing at pole #1) to complete a three hole course. To play a six hole course, the players would play the same three holes in reverse. To play a nine hole course, the players would play the same three holes in the original order again. It may be possible to obtain additional systems or additional poles to be able to establish courses with a greater number of holes.

2. Target Practice.

A number of players (e.g., 1-4) can set up one pole in the ground. Each player may have one chance to hit the top (target) portion of the pole. Each player may initially throw from (e.g.,) one foot away from the pole. If a player hits the target portion from one foot, the player moves back to (e.g.,) three feet from the pole. If a player hits the target portion from three feet, the player moves back to (e.g.,) three feet from the pole. This may be repeated at increasing distances (e.g., six, nine, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five feet) until a player misses. If a player misses, he/she has to start over at the original distance. This is to help disc golfers train for putting. Each player can use one or multiple discs.

3. Twenty-One.

A number of players (e.g., 2-4) can set up two poles (e.g.,) 15-20 feet away from each other. Each player will throw one disc and try to hit the poles. Players will get no points if they miss the pole, one point if they hit the bottom of the pole, and three points if they hit the top of the pole (the target area). Teams may have to get exactly twenty-one; if they go over twenty-one they go back to fifteen. The first team to hit exactly twenty-one wins the match.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

That which is claimed:
 1. A disc golf game system comprising: two or more elongated poles adapted to be positionable upright on a surface, each pole comprising two or more selectively connectable pole segments, at least one pole segment of each pole having circumferential indicia along at least a portion of a length of the at least one pole segment of each pole, the indicia forming a target area.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the two or more selectively connectable pole segments of each pole have cooperative threads to enable the selective connection of one pole segment to another pole segment.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: two or more mounting bases, each mounting base corresponding to and selectively connectable to a respective one of the two or more poles to enable the poles to be positionable upright on the surface.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the two or more mounting bases and the respective poles have cooperative threads to enable the selective connection of each mounting base to its respective pole.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: two or more flat-bottomed mounting bases, each flat-bottomed mounting base corresponding to and selectively connectable to a respective one of the two or more poles to enable the respective poles to sit on the surface; and two or more spiked mounting bases, each spiked mounting base corresponding to and selectively connectable to a respective one of the two or more poles, each spiked mounting base having a spike adapted to be pushed into or through the surface.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the two or more flat-bottomed mounting bases and the respective poles have cooperative threads to enable the selective connection of each flat-bottomed mounting base to its respective pole; and wherein the two or more spiked mounting bases and the respective poles have cooperative threads to enable the selective connection of each spiked mounting base to its respective pole. 